Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, will chair two committees in the coming session of the Alaska Legislature.

According to a release from the Alaska Senate majority on Tuesday, Nov. 26, Bjorkman is set to chair the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee. Bjorkman chaired Labor and Commerce in the last session.

The release says that the Senate majority, of which Bjorkman is a member, will this year prioritize costs of energy and health care, public education funding, and public employee recruitment and retention.

“Alaskans expect us to roll up our sleeves, work together, and focus on what really matters – tackling challenges in affordable and reliable energy, high healthcare costs, quality and dependable public education resources, and keeping the best teachers and public employees in our state,” says Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, in the release. “This Senate Majority is built on bipartisanship, with an equal number of Republican and Democrat chairs, and is committed to crafting practical, balanced budgets that serve all Alaskans. At the end of the day, it’s about finding common ground and doing what’s right for our communities.”

Similar priorities were described in a separate release from the House Majority Coalition.

Kenai Peninsula Reps. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna; Bill Elam, R-Soldotna; and Sarah Vance, R-Homer, are not members of the House Majority Coalition and will not serve in leadership roles this session.

Stevens’ District C includes the southern and eastern Kenai Peninsula, including Homer and Seward. In addition to Senate president, he’ll be vice chair of the Legislative Council, and a chair for two special committees, on world trade and arctic affairs.

Similarly, in the House of Representatives, Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, represents the eastern peninsula in her House District 5. She’s set to chair the House Rules Committee and the House Fisheries Committee.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.